OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF SILYBUM MARIANUM FRUITS TINCTURE

Abstract

Absorptive optical spectra of Silybum marianum fruits tincture and silybine flavolignan solution in ethanol (40 %) have been recorded by digital spectrophotometer UV-2051PC (Shimadzu). For normalized spectra the researchers measured highs, lows, points of inflection, jaggies, the width of the absorption bands and the area, asymmetry coefficients. The content of flavolignans in Silybum marianum fruits has been evaluated by comparing the spectral parameters and the specific absorption for the tincture and silybine solution. Results. The absorption spectra of Silybum marianum fruits tincture and silybine solution were almost identical according to many spectral parameters. Conclusions. The content found in flavolignans comes to 2-4 mg/g (as silybine) with an accuracy of 2.8 % in the Silybum marianum fruits and the waves lengths of the absorption maxima are consistent with the literature data. Relatively simple, little laborious and enough accurate pectrophotometric method may well be used for determining the flavolignans in Silybum marianum fruits.